Shopping online is the best way to skirt the mob scene at the local mall. There’s no cruising for a parking spot, no waiting for an elusive clerk to ring your sale. And you can cover several people on your shopping list in short order. To make the hunt easier, we’ve identified 15 websites worth browsing. What are you waiting for? Only 26 shopping days left. - SUZANNE C. RYAN

Magiccabin.com: Natural toys. We like the 10-piece horse and corral collection. The dollhouse-size herd, made in Germany, is wool-stuffed felt.

Designpublic.com: A small team with a very talented eye sells well-designed and out of the ordinary home products and gifts, including very cool Salvor Fauna pillows, Dwell tabletop items, and Thomas Paul textiles.

CocoaCrayon.com: A site with fun children’s items, from tableware to bibs to skincare products to toys. The colorful spiral-design plates and cups will liven up any kitchen. From French Bull by Jackie Shapiro, $7 for plates, $6 for cups.

Poketo.com: What began four years ago as a way to highlight the work of emerging artists through limited-edition wallets has grown into a company that now sells wallets, T-shirts, housewares, and stationery.

Bigfitness.com: All the exercise equipment you could ask for. Maybe start the new year with an elliptical machine, $499?

CCmusic.com: Online music store featuring vintage and classic oldies in every genre. Can’t beat ”Frank Sinatra: Live from Las Vegas,” a previously unreleased performance from 1986 at the Golden Nugget, $16.95.

Areyougame.com: Toys and games for every age. A smart choice is the Math Mat Challenge game, for 4- to 7-year-olds, $27.48. Martiniware.com: All things cocktail. Handblown glasses with designs on the stem. Order several so partygoers don’t mistakenly pick up yours. $20.

Bluefly.com: Designer clothing and accessories for men and women, plus luxury home goods. The site is getting a lot of buzz because it’s a sponsor of Bravo’s ”Project Runway.” Jimmy Choo’s black satin rhinestone ”Paris” stilettos, at $712, say nothing if not ”Happy New Year.”